Africa’s aviation sector continues to grow, supported by rising passenger demand, stronger regional connectivity, and recovery in domestic and international markets.
According to OAG, a global aviation data provider, Africa’s aviation market recorded broad-based growth in April 2026, with total airline capacity measured as available seats on scheduled flights rising 5.2% year on year to 23.9 million seats.
International capacity accounted for 77% of total seats and grew by 3.9% compared to April 2025, while domestic capacity increased by 9.9%, reflecting stronger intra-African demand.
Mainline carriers held a 79% market share, growing 4.5% year on year, while low-cost carriers rose faster by 8.2% to 5 million seats.
This ranking of the Top 10 African countries by total airline capacity in April 2026 is based on OAG data and reflects available seat supply across both domestic and international operations in Africa’s aviation market.
Algeria ranks sixth in Africa for airline capacity in April 2026, with 964,952 seats, a 9% increase from 885,216 seats in April 2025.
The market is driven by rising demand for both domestic and international air travel, supported by government investment in airport infrastructure and ongoing fleet modernisation.
Capacity is anchored by the national carrier, Air Algérie, which operates an extensive network across domestic, regional, and international routes, alongside other operators such as Tassili Airlines.
Algeria also records strong international demand, particularly to Europe. Key airports include Houari Boumediene Airport, as well as Oran and Constantine.
